8th of October is the opening day of the 2011/2012 season depending the usual ground avabality so on etc.
Hopefully we claim that extra week back in March then! With all the washouts we've had over the last couple of seasons you would really not want to shorten the season any further (unless the VTCA execs are plants from soccer (Football Federation Victoria) who want to kill of cricket and take the grounds for a useless 'sport' - tongue in cheek).
I suppose the first week of October is normally a washout or sees only 2 pitches ready. Its almost as if clubs/councils don't realise when its time for the season to start! Every season its the same story. Local football ends for most teams at the end of August.

That gives most grounds 5 weeks (6 weeks this season) to be ready. Then as September progresses less and less football teams require their grounds. Clubs should go to the VTCA and ask them to in future start the fixture when they want it. Don't make everyone keep their weekends free for an event that's not going to happen.


Who wants to watch Collingwood win another grand final anyway! What happens if Collingwood choke again this year and its another replay? Does that mean we'll call off another week?
In that case, what about all those players that rely on incentive based contracts? Some players rely on the 2 day games for their opportunity for incentives eg a #4 batsman wanting to ton up - its more difficult in the one dayers (or impossible when not playing). Its all a minefield, but I'm glad its not me in that position.